Kansas City has lots of different ethnic festivals, e.g., Latino, Irish, and Greek for starters. But have you ever heard of an Italian one called a St. Joseph’s Table? I hadn’t either. Then a friend invited me to attend one in the northeast area of Kansas City. According to legend, many years ago, there was a famine in Italy. The people prayed to St. Joseph and promised to do something special if the famine ended. It did.
Today is my sister’s birthday, so sisterhood is a fitting theme. She and I have different tastes and different interests, and sometimes very different viewpoints. But we have some important things in common; childhood memories, womanhood, and a mutual love for each other and our families. These things we share in common are like glue. Our differences are not really a problem; they actually keep things interesting.
I’ve found that is true of many novels with sisterhood as a theme. Here are several I can recommend:
So, the weather still isn’t cooperating for outdoor activities and you are getting cabin fever? One way to get some of that excess energy out is to head over to a dance club in Kansas City called Funky Town. Here you will find a unique dancing experience.
Last year, the brilliant Marissa Meyer released Cinder. This book is based on the Cinderella fairy tale and is set in a dystopian society in New Beijing, China. Her fate becomes entwined with Prince Kai. They must race against time to avoid an intergalactic conflict.
I remember the first time I fell in love. I was a young girl sitting on the kitchen floor watching my Italian mother make homemade sugo (pasta sauce) and fried meatballs. The tantalizing smell of the sautéing garlic and onions was enough to hook me (as well as getting to taste test!). But that extra special ingredient that mom always added really got me. What ingredient, you ask? Love!
The shelves of our Library are filled with a variety of cookbooks that are checked out constantly. They’re big. They’re small. They have beautiful photos. My favorite cook is Ree Drummond, "The Pioneer Woman." She and I have something in common. We’re both from Oklahoma.
I started watching her show on the Food Channel on Saturday mornings. Her style is down to earth and practical. She uses things that aren’t out of the ordinary, things I normally purchase.
Are you new in town or just looking for a new group of people to hang out with? Do you have an interest or hobby and would like to meet others with whom you can share them? Did you know that there is a wide variety of social groups in the Kansas City area that you can join? They are called "Meetup" groups, and they can be found online at http://www.meetup.com/find/.
Ever find yourself with nothing to do on a Saturday night? Hubby is gone, kids are busy, or you're single and don't need to wash your hair. How about trying a blind date----with a book.
At the Raytown Branch, we have wrapped up some books in pretty paper to make it seem inviting, kinda like dressing up for a blind date. Only the barcode is showing. You can check the book out, take it home, and start your blind date. No strings attached. You may find that you are hooked at first reading, or discover you aren't compatible at all.
Ahh...Cupid strikes again, or, oh no, Valentine's Day! If you have a "significant other" in your life, it's time to prepare! The holiday of romance is almost upon us.
